Much was made about USC safety Taylor Mays’ slide at the 2010 NFL Draft. Once projected as a Top 10 pick, Mays instead dropped to the second round, where he was snagged by the San Francisco 49ers with the No. 49 pick.

The 6’3, 235-pound safety who ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine has always had off-the-charts physical tools. The questions that arose about Mays regarded his ability in coverage and whether or not he would work hard enough at the next level. Despite his exceptional work ethic at USC and excellent resume, NFL scouts questioned whether or not he would translate at the next level.

Well, so far the San Francisco 49ers are thrilled Mays dropped in their laps.

During minicamp Mays intercepted two passes and was referred to as the team’s “star” on defense. Since then he’s obviously impressed head coach Mike Singletary and the rest of the coaching staff because of his work ethic and willingness to learn.

Singletary referred to Mays as the “most annoying” rookie on the roster, but he meant it in a good way.

Singletary told Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, “He’s driving (secondary coach) Vance Joseph and Johnnie (Lynn) crazy. He’s called me a few times. He’s called them a few times. ‘Hey coach, what about this? He coach what about that? Can we get together tomorrow? Can we do this? Can I come in on Sunday?'”

The 49ers are so enamored with Mays that the team is even considering using a three-safety nickel package that would use Mays close to the line of scrimmage, which is where he would likely be most effective.

Putting Mays closer to the line will take advantage of what he does best: chasing down ball-carriers and hitting people really, really hard.

He certainly seems to have made a great impression so far and you’d have to believe he will see lots of playing time early in his career with the 49ers.

14 Responses to “Mike Singletary: Taylor Mays Is The 49ers Most Annoying Rookie”

Mays’ drop during the draft was inexplicable given his measurables and upside. So much was made about his lack of playmaking ability, but the only criteria to back those claims up were interception stats. Overlooked was the fact that he played in a passing-heavy conference, and rarely got beat deep in coverage. He was the second-best safety in the draft behind Eric Berry & should be a tremendous hitter at the next level.

Mays is talented, motivated, and eager to learn. He could well end up the best pick of the Niner’s draft. He’s a breath of fresh air WRT his work ethic…if you can impress Singletary as a rookie, you’re doing something. It’ll be fun to watch this kid progress…really, the sky’s the limit for him.

Mays was maybe the most talented all around player in the draft. his fall to round two was triumph for the Niners. His work ethic well known as fantastic continues on into the NFL. Look out folks he has a point to prove and my money is on him.

Mays was maybe the most talented all around player in the draft. his fall to round two was triumph for the Niners. His work ethic well known as fantastic continues on into the NFL. Look out folks he has a point to prove and my money is on him.

Excuse me, DailySporstHerald, but Mays’s knocks had to do with a lot more than just lack of interceptions. Besides, in a “pass-heavy” league as you state, he should have had more picks anyway with more chances to garner them. But Mays’s biggest problem was that he continually allowed WRs to catch passes in an effort to get the BIG hit, instead of breaking on the ball to deflect the pass. He was constantly out of position in the secondary, whether by Pete Carroll’s defensive design or not.

I like Mays, and think with his physical attributes and work ethic he can be a stud in the NFL, but to say his slide was “inexplicable” is lazy. It was no surprise to see him fall, as the film he put out during his senior season showed basically a linebacker who was forced to line up deep.

Give me a brake, Stop Stop he’s not that good, he is going to get his butt whipped he is a lot of talk. It’s somthing when his own coach didn’t want him there is a reason and will all see it soon. The Seahawks are going whip there butts!!!!!!!! Let the games begin.